| Choice | Drug | Dosage | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st choice | Co-magaldrox 195/220 (Mucogel® suspension) | Dose: 10-20ml three times daily, 20-60 minutes after meals, and at bedtime or when required | Sugar-free, low Na+ Pack Size: 500ml |
Prescribing Notes
- Refer to NICE clinical guideline on dyspepsia and gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (2014) here.
- Particular care is required in patients presenting with ‘alarm features’.
- Multi-ingredient GI preparations such as Peptac® should not be prescribed generically.
- Antacids are best given when symptoms occur or are expected, usually between meals and at bedtime.
- Antacids should preferably not be taken at the same time as other drugs since they may impair absorption and can damage enteric coatings designed to prevent dissolution in the stomach.
- Use a low sodium content preparation for patients suffering from hypertension or heart failure, e.g. co-magaldrox.
- Compound alginic acid preparations are less powerful antacids than co-magaldrox but may be more effective for heartburn. They are significantly more expensive than simple antacids.
- Antacids may be useful to be taken as required when patients are stepping down or stopping treatment with long-term PPI/acid suppression therapy.